Medal 1823 - 1840

This medal, now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was designed by William Kneass in the early 19th century. It depicts George Washington, the first President of the United States. In its time, this medal served as a potent symbol, reinforcing the image of Washington as a leader. Yet, it's important to consider this image against the backdrop of a nation still grappling with issues of slavery and inequality. Washington, a slave owner himself, presents a complex figure. The classical style of the portrait also speaks to the aspirations of the young American republic, keen to associate itself with the legacies of ancient Greece and Rome. This medal then, isn't just a portrait; it's a statement about power, identity, and the contradictions inherent in the American narrative.